Alistair McAlpine, Baron McAlpine of West Green

Who was Alistair McAlpine, Baron McAlpine of West Green?

Robert Alistair McAlpine, Baron McAlpine of West Green, often known as Alistair McAlpine, was a British businessman, politician and author who was an advisor to Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. McAlpine was descended from the McAlpine baronets who made their fortune in the construction industry. McAlpine held a variety of jobs before becoming prominent in British politics in the 1980s as the treasurer and a major fundraiser of the Conservative Party. A close ally of Thatcher, McAlpine did not support her successor as Prime Minister John Major, and later joined James Goldsmith's Referendum Party. McAlpine later rejoined the Conservatives but resigned his seat in the House of Lords to retain his taxation status.

Outside of politics McAlpine was prominent in a variety of business developments in Australia as well as being an art collector and memoirist. Shortly before his death McAlpine returned to public prominence after he was falsely accused of child abuse.